Having a breast biopsy can be stressful — particularly if you notice a hard lump afterward. Fortunately, a lump isn’t necessarily a sign of breast cancer. A biopsy itself can cause a temporary lump. Here’s why.

About Different Types of Breast Lumps

Breast lumps (also called breast masses) can happen at any age. Some types are more common before menopause, but lumps can also happen after menopause.

Here are some possible causes of lumps that aren’t breast cancer:

• Fluid-filled sacs called cysts
• A firm, rubbery, usually noncancerous lump called a fibroadenoma
• A fatty, painless growth called a lipoma
• An overgrowth of nerve cells in the breast called a neurofibroma
• Rare benign tumors made of blood vessels, called hemangiomas, or other breast tissue, called hamartomas
• Changes from an injury or surgery, such as a collection of blood called a hematoma or scar tissue

While most lumps aren’t breast cancer, your healthcare provider may order a biopsy to test it and be sure. And some lumps may occur as a result of a procedure like a biopsy.

How a Biopsy Procedure Works

Doctors recommend biopsies if a breast exam, mammography results, or ultrasound breast imaging show something suspicious or unclear. During biopsies, a small sample of tissue is taken and tested in the lab to check for cancer cells.

Types of Biopsies

There are several types of breast biopsies, including:

• Fine-needle aspiration — Sample is removed using a thin, hollow needle
• Core-needle biopsy, also known as Tru-Cut biopsy — Uses a larger, thicker needle to remove small cylinders of tissue
• Stereotactic breast biopsy — Requires a mammogram to help make a three-dimensional picture of breast tissue, and uses a thick needle to remove the samples
• Surgical biopsy — Also called an open biopsy, involves making a larger cut in your breast to take out any abnormal areas

Sometimes doctors use ultrasounds or other imaging tools to help guide the sample collection during a biopsy. Your healthcare provider can explain the specific procedure you’re having and what to expect.

Why You Might Feel a Lump After a Biopsy

Whether performed with a needle or incision, a biopsy injures breast tissue.

Hematomas

After a biopsy, internal bleeding in the breast can lead to a collection of blood, bruising, and swelling where the tissue was collected. This is known as a hematoma. It may feel like a hard lump. Hematomas are a possible complication of breast biopsies. They usually improve on their own, and applying ice or a cold compress to the area may help.

Scar Tissue

In addition, some people develop scar tissue after a biopsy. Scars are a natural part of the healing process. They can feel like a hard lump, but they aren’t usually a cause for concern.

Extra testing can help show the difference between a scar, a hematoma, and a tumor or other type of lump.

How To Manage a Lump After a Biopsy

Follow your doctor’s instructions to care for your breast biopsy site. If you develop a lump while healing, it could take time to resolve. In rare cases, hematomas can last for months.

Your healthcare provider can give you more accurate expectations based on what kind of biopsy you had and how the procedure went.

Recovery and Results

Sometimes, doctors recommend using an ice pack in the first 48 hours to help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and pain after a biopsy.

You may need to avoid strenuous activity after your biopsy to allow time for your body to heal. Your results may be ready in a few days. If there’s a delay at the lab or if you need more testing, it can take longer to hear back.

When To Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. If you’re worried about swelling, tenderness, bleeding, or any unexpected symptoms, don’t be afraid to reach out for confirmation that everything’s OK.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have a lump that changes. Hematomas that get bigger should be evaluated.

If you have a fever, chills, significant swelling, drainage, heat, or pain, reach out to your doctor right away. These are possible signs of an infection that needs immediate medical attention.

Emotions Can Run High With a Biopsy

It’s normal to be a little anxious before and after your biopsy. If you’re struggling, you may need more support. Don’t be afraid to follow up with a healthcare professional with any questions or share any concerns. You may also benefit from seeing a mental health counselor.

Other relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, may also help manage stress. A study found that women who listened to guided meditation or music during a biopsy had less anxiety, pain, and fatigue after a biopsy.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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